Caparrós: In key moments, Keylor Navas has helped us

Levante manager Joaquín Caparrós was delighted with the efforts of his side, after they mathematically secured their permanence, against such a powerful side as Atlético Madrid.

The 2-0 victory against Atlético Madrid, left Levante manager delighted with the effort of his team, pointing out that they utilised the same approach that almost brought them the same sort of joy, against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“I have to congratulate my players for his accomplishment. The team has done nothing different to what we did against Barcelona and Real Madrid. They were practically the same games as today.”

Caparrós also praised the saves of Costa Rican keeper, Keylor Navas, plus the efficiency of his team for making the most of what few chances they created.

“In key moments, Keylor Navas has helped us. To beat such a powerful opponent in capital letters, you have to be intense, show maximum efficiency and have a good goalkeeper.”

Securing permanence against such a powerful opponent as Atlético Madrid, was also cause for celebration, according to the Levante boss.

“Saving ourselves in such a way, is a great release, especially given the budget we have. Our aim all the time is to get more people engaged in what we’re doing. We’ve had to work very carefully at everything we’ve done.”

As for his own future, Caparrós hopes that the project at Levante can keep growing and added that it’s already widely known, that he’s in talks to stay at the club. He also explained how proud he is of what the team has managed to achieve this season.

“It’s important for us all to keep growing. Our president is very ambitious, but he also keeps his feet planted firmly on the ground.”

“It’s already common knowledge that my agent and the sporting director are talking about it. We’ll have to see what happens. I’m content with how we’ve done this season, because it hasn’t been easy. To secure permanence with weeks remaining of the season is important. It’s not easy and I’m happy about that.”

As for the comments from Diego Simeone, who refused to take a downbeat view of the defeat, seeing it more as just another challenge along the way, Caparrós felt that was typical of how courageous he is as Atlético manager.

“The concept of Simeone is fantastic. It’s not easy to say what he’s said. Everyone has been waiting for them to fail, but they’re still up there and deservedly so, as well as being in the Champions League final.”